The tour pt 1

So here is my long awaited blog about the tour.

It definitely started off interesting, as so many travel days to central america do. The airport connections are terrible and if you are lucky enough to get bad information, you will be stuck sleeping on the outside, on linoleum without a single place to get dinner. Thank you Continental and the Houston Airport. But alas, I survived my LONG night, despite the buffer guy at 4:30. The second I stepped out of the airport and smelt the tropical air I knew I was home. To anyone who has travelled down here, you know what I am talking about. Monika, you'll know soon enough. :) I arrived two days before the tour started and I spent them reacquainting myself with Antigua. The warm colours, the cobblestone streets, the ruins from many an earthquake and of course, the smiling faces. It was awesome to see the sun again too. Is it bad that I spent my first night watching the Canucks game?!?

The tour started on tuesday and the group instantly meshed. We all had lots to talk about and a common theme to bond us. As the days progressed, it was really awesome to watch people of all walks of life come together. The group made my transition very easy and am thankful for all your wonderful comments!!

When we left Antigua for Tecpan, the van was full of excitement. We arrived at the job site to prominent volcano's, deep valleys and 360 degree views. I had seen many pictures but this one took my breath away. We had one of the warmest welcomes I think I have ever received from a stranger. Both Heather and Greg, founders, and Antolin, the forman, were wonderful. I can't begin to explain to you the energy on that job site. Im glad I was wearing sunglasses for their welcome speeches because any "tough" exterior I may have had going in was quickly washed away with joyous tears. Prior to my arrival it was obvious the group was going to mesh well, but I think it was this moment that we became a family! After our tour of the job site, we headed back to our adorable hotel for dinner. I'm not sure any of us got much sleep that night. :) 

(to keep you in real time, I just got pooped on while writing.. is it really good luck to be pooped on by a bird, or is the luck just in the fact that it landed on you?!?)

Our first day was exciting and tiring all in the same. You get a true idea of what people's work lives are like down here. In north america we live our lives spoiled and sheltered. Having spent time on construction sites back home, you take for granted modern tools and technology. As each day passed, we were faced with challenges you just aren't used to at home. Older tools, fewer tools, actually having to use blood sweat and tears rather than I battery powered device. My job for the first two days was to rebuild a shed that had been torn down by a multi day wind storm. It felt really good to get my hands dirty again! Others were mudding the gathering circle where we received our very warm welcome. I was in awe watching the local workers mix concrete for hours on end all by hand. The shear strength that would take was incredible but their work ethic was inspiring. Each one of these workers just put their head down and got the job done. Was the motivation the amazing project they have been so lucky to be a part of? Was it a perspective we have lost in the western world? Maybe it was a combination of both. 

After the first day was over, we were all very tired. A long day in the sun, hard work and the calm of knowing you officially became a part of something special. Each one of us became bonded for life!

The next day was just as fulfilling, except this time we had a special invite. A "friendly" match of soccer.  I think that was the most fun I have ever had playing soccer. The uneven terrain, the small field and even being toyed with by the far superior skills of the workers was a blast. You don't realize you are at 7500 ft until you try playing soccer. As everyone watched the game, it was awesome to see the smiles on every single person on that job site. 

Our first few days were amazing. We saw our progress with the children's houses and made new friends we never would have been able to otherwise, but its hard not to be reminded of how difficult life is for so many down here. Its hard to ignore the poverty; whether it be hungry dogs so obviously in pain, roofs that have collapsed in or watching children no older than 3 or 4 having to work long hours trying to sell to the tourists. It truly is heart breaking. I think this is why I find Heather and Greg so inspiring. They were some of the lucky ones born to an easier way of life in North America yet they CHOOSE to dedicate theirs to under privileged children so desperately in need of love. The world truly needs more people like them!

After our first excursion day fell on the Saturday. A day of R and R at the spectacular Lago de Atitlan. We travelled to San Marcos, a little hippy town on the lake where we were finally able eat vegetables. Who would have thought that I would have missed lettuce! Unfortunately our day of quiet was quickly interrupted with the new mayoral inauguration parties. As we sat enjoying a tasty brownie watching a football game, it suddenly sounded like a gun went off 20 ft from the patio. Apparently the guatemalans in San Marcos entertain themselves with firecrackers here too. 

That night I was surprised with a beautiful birthday card full of wonderful well wishes and a celebration by a fire on the lake. It was awesome! Although I have to say I disappointed myself only finishing 1/2 of my tetra pack of wine. Robyn, you did me proud!!!! (side note: not even in guatemala for shits and giggles is drinking cheap wine out of a tetra pack a good idea) After the fire, the few that were still up went to a local hippy bar. What an experience. I have to say I felt a little uncomfortable amongst the bare feet and petchulli.  But it was a pretty cool bar set up like a giant tree house!

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to be continued ( i have to get back to practicing my spanish)